Louisiana Bail Bond Calculator

Enter the bail amount to compare what posting it costs in Louisiana: cash with the court, a bond through a licensed bail agent, or a percentage deposit with the court where Louisiana law offers one. It runs in your browser and nothing is stored.

Louisiana sets the premium at 12% by statute.

Enter the bail amount to compare the ways to post it.

Bail bond agents in Louisiana

Bail with a commercial surety is one of the types of bail. (La. C.Cr.P. art. 321(A))

A. The types of bail are: (1) Bail with a commercial surety.

The premium for criminal bail bonds is set by statute at 12 percent of the bond or $120, whichever is greater. (La. R.S. 22:1443(A))

the rate for all commercial surety underwriters writing criminal bail bonds in the state of Louisiana shall be twelve percent of the face amount of the bond or one hundred twenty dollars, whichever is greater.

Note: Last amended by Acts 2019, No. 54.

Percentage deposit with the court in Louisiana

All bail must be posted in the full amount fixed by the court. (La. C.Cr.P. art. 321(B))

B. All bail must be posted in the full amount fixed by the court.

Note: Art. 326(A)(2) lets courts in St. John the Baptist and St. Charles parishes alter the percentage deposited by written rule.

Cash bail in Louisiana

Bail is fixed in an amount that will ensure the defendant's presence and the safety of others and the community. (La. C.Cr.P. art. 316)

The amount of bail shall be fixed in an amount that will ensure the presence of the defendant, as required, and the safety of any other person and the community

How bail is set in Louisiana

The state constitution makes a person bailable by sufficient surety before and during trial, except capital offenses when the proof is evident and the presumption of guilt great. (La. Const. art. I, § 18)

Before and during a trial, a person shall be bailable by sufficient surety, except when he is charged with a capital offense and the proof is evident and the presumption of guilt is great.

Note: A new Paragraph C takes effect only if the amendment proposed by Acts 2026, No. 271 is ratified.

Unless a schedule adopted under the Code fixes it, bail is set specifically in each case. (La. C.Cr.P. art. 315)

Unless the bail is fixed by a schedule in accordance with this Article, the amount of bail shall be specifically fixed in each case.

Note: As amended by Acts 2026, No. 354.

If a court date is missed in Louisiana

If the defendant has not appeared or been surrendered within 180 days after the notice of the arrest warrant was certified as sent, the prosecutor may seek a bond forfeiture judgment. (La. C.Cr.P. art. 335)

If the defendant fails to make an appearance and has not been surrendered or constructively surrendered within one hundred eighty days of the execution of the certificate that notice of warrant for arrest was sent, the prosecuting attorney may file a rule to show cause requesting that a bond forfeiture judgment be rendered.

Note: As amended by Acts 2026, No. 672, § 1 (effective date not shown on the page).

For the rest of what can follow a missed date, see missed court in Louisiana.

What this page does not do

  • It does not set or predict bail; the judge or the bail schedule does.
  • It does not quote any bail agent; collateral and extra fees depend on the agreement you sign.
  • It collects nothing; your entries stay in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bail bond cost in Louisiana?

The premium for criminal bail bonds is set by statute at 12 percent of the bond or $120, whichever is greater. (La. R.S. 22:1443(A)).

Can you pay a percentage of bail to the court in Louisiana?

We found no Louisiana rule that lets a defendant post a percentage of bail with the court. Ask the clerk which forms of bail the court accepts.

Sources

Checked against the sources above on October 20, 2026.

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